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Irish veterinary journal2018; 71; 6; doi: 10.1186/s13620-018-0117-1

A retrospective report (2003-2013) of the complications associated with the use of a one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system in horses following general anaesthesia.

Abstract: The mortality rate of horses undergoing general anaesthesia is high when compared to humans or small animal patients. One of the most critical periods during equine anaesthesia is recovery, as the horse attempts to regain a standing position. This study was performed in a private equine practice in Belgium that uses a purpose-designed one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system to assist the horse during the standing process.The main purpose of the retrospective study was to report and analyse complications and the mortality rate in horses during recovery from anaesthesia using the described recovery system. Information retrieved from the medical records included patient signalment, anaesthetic protocol, duration of anaesthesia, ASA grade, type of surgery, recovery time and complications during recovery. Sedation was administered to all horses prior to recovery with the rope system. Complications were divided into major complications in which the horse was euthanized and minor complications where the horse survived. Major complications were further subdivided into those where the rope system did not contribute to the recovery complication (Group 1) and those where it was not possible to determine if the rope system was of any benefit (Group 2). Results: Five thousand eight hundred fifty two horses recovered from general anaesthesia with rope assistance. Complications were identified in 30 (0.51%). Major complications occurred in 12 horses (0.20%) of which three (0.05%) were assigned to Group 1 and nine (0.15%) to Group 2. Three horses in Group 2 suffered musculoskeletal injuries (0.05%). Eighteen horses (0.31%) suffered minor complications, of which five (0.08%) were categorised as failures of the recovery system. Conclusions: This study reports the major and minor complication and mortality rate during recovery from anaesthesia using a specific type of rope recovery system. Mortality associated with the rope recovery system was low. During recovery from anaesthesia this rope system may reduce the risk of lethal complications, particularly major orthopaedic injuries.
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Publication Date: 2018-02-13 PubMed ID: 29456834PubMed Central: PMC5810068DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0117-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examines the complications and mortality rate in horses during recovery from anaesthesia using a rope recovery system. It found that the rate of serious complications and deaths was low, suggesting that the rope system could be useful in preventing major injuries during recovery.

Study Background

  • The research focuses on the recovery period for horses after general anaesthesia, which is identified as a critical phase because horses attempt to regain their standing position during this period.
  • Due to the riskiness of the recovery period, the study involved a purpose-designed one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system used to aid horses in regaining their standing position.
  • The study was conducted in a private equine practice in Belgium over a 10-year period from 2003 to 2013.

Study Methodology

  • Data collected included patient information, anaesthetic protocol, duration of anesthesia, ASA grade, type of surgery, recovery time, and complications during recovery.
  • All horses were sedated prior to recovery using the rope system.
  • The complications experienced during recovery were categorized into major and minor complications.
  • Major complications led to animals being euthanized and were further divided into two groups; those where the rope system did not contribute to the recovery complication (Group 1) and those where it was not possible to determine if the rope system offered any benefits (Group 2).

Study Findings

  • A total of 5,852 horses underwent recovery from general anaesthesia with the assistance of the rope recovery system. Complications were identified in 30 horses, representing 0.51% of the total.
  • Of these, major complications occurred in 12 horses (0.20%), three of which were in Group 1 and nine in Group 2. Three horses in Group 2 suffered musculoskeletal injuries (0.05%).
  • Minor complications occurred in 18 horses (0.31%), five of which were considered to be failures of the rope recovery system.

Study Conclusions

  • The study provides valuable insight into the complications and mortality rate in horses during recovery from anaesthesia when a specific type of rope recovery system is used.
  • Both the major and minor complication rate and the mortality rate associated with the rope recovery system were found to be low.
  • The conclusions of the study suggest that using the rope recovery system may reduce the risk of serious complications, particularly major orthopedic injuries, during the recovery phase post-anaesthesia in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Niimura Del Barrio MC, David F, Hughes JML, Clifford D, Wilderjans H, Bennett R. (2018). A retrospective report (2003-2013) of the complications associated with the use of a one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system in horses following general anaesthesia. Ir Vet J, 71, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-018-0117-1

Publication

Irish veterinary journal
ISSN: 0368-0762
NlmUniqueID: 0100762
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Volume: 71
Pages: 6
PII: 6

Researcher Affiliations

Niimura Del Barrio, Maria Chie
  • 1UCD Veterinary Hospital, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 Ireland.
David, Florent
  • 2Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Al Shaqab- a member of Qatar Foundation, PO Box 90005, Al Shaqab Street, Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar.
Hughes, J M Lynne
  • 1UCD Veterinary Hospital, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 Ireland.
Clifford, David
  • 1UCD Veterinary Hospital, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 Ireland.
Wilderjans, Hans
  • Dierenkliniek De Bosdreef, Spelonckvaart 46, 9180 Moerbeke-Waas, Belgium.
Bennett, Rachel
  • The Granary, Bunstead Barns, Poles Ln, Hursley, Winchester, SO21 2LL UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Not applicableNot applicableHW designed the rope recovery system which is in use at the clinic. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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